TYLDESLEY PAEDOPHILE DAMIEN TWIZELL SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN GREATER MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tyldesley and the wider Greater Manchester area, Damien Twizell, a 33-year-old former rugby union player, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving a 12-year-old girl. The offences, which took place in February 2021, include multiple counts of sexual assault, rape, and exploitation of a minor, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that has left a lasting scar on the young victim.

Twizell's criminal activities began with the assault of the young girl at a private residence. The details of the incident are particularly disturbing, as it emerged that he had secretly developed an obsession with her, which culminated in the assault. Following the attack, Twizell did not cease his malicious actions; instead, he engaged in a calculated effort to continue tormenting her through online platforms. Using fake social media profiles, he posed as two different youths on Snapchat, sending the girl sexually explicit messages and further invading her sense of safety and well-being.

The police investigation was triggered when Twizell himself suggested that the distressed girl report him to authorities. This occurred after she responded to his messages, claiming she had been raped—unaware that she was communicating with her attacker. His own words during questioning revealed a disturbing level of remorse or perhaps a recognition of his actions, as he told detectives, 'I’ve f****** destroyed her haven’t I — I’m an idiot.'

Further evidence uncovered during the investigation showed that Twizell had kept photographs of the victim on his mobile phone, indicating a premeditated and obsessive interest in her. The girl, now undergoing counseling, provided a heartfelt statement describing the profound psychological impact of the abuse. She spoke of frequent flashbacks, nightmares, and hallucinations involving dark figures and the feeling of being watched. Her account detailed how her life has been turned upside down, with fears and anxieties affecting her daily routine, her self-esteem, and her interactions with others. She expressed confusion and despair over why this happened to her, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of her trauma.

Twizell pleaded guilty to ten counts, including assault of a child under 13 by penetration on ten separate occasions, rape of a child under 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, sexual communication with a minor, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and possession of indecent images. Prosecutor Fiona Clancy highlighted the severity of his actions, stating that the victim had suffered significant psychological harm. She explained that Twizell had obtained the girl’s Snapchat details and deceived her by posing as a young person, engaging in sexual communications that were both manipulative and planned.

During the online exchanges, the girl disclosed that she had been raped, prompting Twizell to advise her to tell someone about it. The court heard that his actions involved a degree of planning, underscoring the calculated nature of his offending. The girl’s parents expressed their shock and devastation at the ordeal their daughter endured, emphasizing the profound impact on their family.

As part of his sentence, Twizell will be required to register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that prohibits him from contacting children. He was sentenced to 13 years and four months in prison, with an additional year on parole under an extended sentence. Judge Timothy Stead condemned Twizell’s conduct as 'particularly insidious and unpleasant,' emphasizing the lasting damage inflicted on the young victim. The judge stated that the girl would have to live with the knowledge of what happened and that her ongoing suffering, including flashbacks and nightmares, reflected the deep and enduring harm caused by his actions.

It was also noted that Twizell played rugby with Tyldesley First XV RUFC, a detail that adds a layer of betrayal given his position and the trust placed in him by the community. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Tyldesley and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predators who exploit both online and offline environments to prey on vulnerable children.